the last years of elizabeth Flashcards
(12 cards)
Why was there a decline in royal authority during the 1590s?
There were anxieties over succession. There were also problems between factions and in the Privy Council.
What had been achieved by 1603, despite the Essex Rebellion?
Political unity, all English people, except a small minority of Catholics, were broadly loyal to the Crown.
What did people say about Elizabeth reigning for too long?
Her reputation had been tarnished by events in the last years of her reign, and she seemed out of touch with aspirations of the younger generation.
What had the economic condition of England been like during the 16th century?
England had experienced considerable economic continuity.
Why should the importance of the English trading companies set up to challenge that of the Dutch and other major powers not be exaggerated?
As organisation of English capitalism was basic in comparison to the commercial sophistication of the Dutch.
What type of industries flourished during Elizabeth’s reign?
Cottage industries, such as nail making, hosiery, soap manufacturing and brewing flourished.
What did a rise in total production over the 16th century suggest?
That domestic demand was thriving.
How were people able to avoid poverty nearer to the end of the 16th century? [3]
Only through thrift, multiple employments and their hard work were they able to avoid it.
What were the constraints in place that prevented society from breaking down completely, despite the huge differences in living standards for classes? [2]
- Majority of the population could be fed, for most of the time
- Reform of poor laws in 1598 and 1601 after successive harvest failures from 1594-97, limited the worst effects of poverty
What was applied to English nobility that was in contrast with many continental societies?
They were subject to taxation.
What could Elizabeth think of the religious situation of England at the end of her reign?
It was favourable.
Why had the religious situation in England become favourable at the end of Elizabeth’s reign?
- Level of popular Catholicism had declined
- English Catholics were divided between majority who tried to accomodate conflicting loyalties to crown and faith, and minority who identified with the excommunication
- Church of England had become an institution many could identify with
- Puritanism assimilated into Anglican mainstream
- Separatism, which had never been strong, virtually disappeared.
